Dead Sea Scrolls on Sexuality

James C. VanderKam University of Notre Dame "In The Dead Sea Scrolls on Sexuality William Loader makes a second, definitive contribution to his larger project of researching attitudes toward sexuality in Judaism and Christianity in the Greco-Roman period. He subjects major texts (the Temple Scroll, 4QMMT, the Damascus Document) and significant types of texts (legal, liturgical, expository, sapiential) to the same detailed, systematic analysis that he carried out in his Enoch, Levi, and Jubilees on Sexuality. Leaving no stone unturned, he reveals the attitudes in the texts to diverse aspects of sexuality and finds some changes of emphasis over time. The Scrolls present human sexuality positively, as a divine gift, though it is an area in which one must exercise special care lest one misuse it. This book is the best, most complete study of the topic available." Kelley Coblentz Bautch St. Edwards University "An excellent, much-needed study. I especially appreciate Loader's engagement with others' research -- a particular strength of the work -- and his up-to-date bibliography. This book will generate lively discussion among Scrolls scholars."